How to get correct refresh rate that's advertised on my monitor

[Bfc24]

The monitor states it can run 165 hz and I purchased a new hdmi cable that supports this however when selecting the refresh rate on windows display settings it's only allowing me to choose a maximum of 100hz? Apologies in advance I'm not very good with the tech si

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@Bfc24,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Did you perchance download/install your monitor's driver?

To check, please type in: device manager, and check your "Monitors", like this using the PC I am working with at the moment:

If it says "Generic" in any way or form, you'll need to download your monitor's driver.  For example, I am using an Acer EI322QUR P monitor, and I downloaded its driver from here.  What I am saying is that most of the time, there is a specific monitor driver provided by your monitor's manufacturer.  Once you got this driver downloaded and have extracted the file(s), right-click on the monitor's name:

Then left-click on Update driver, then click on Browse my computer for drivers, then click on Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer, then click on Have Disk..., then on Browse..., and locate the monitor driver(s) you have just downloaded, likely in your Downloads folder.  Then highlight the driver that your PC recognizes, click on Open, then OK, then Next, and you should see the message: Windows has successfully updated your drivers, then Close.

Once installed, right-click anywhere on your screen and click on Display settings:

Then scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.

And if all has gone well, you should be able to see your 165 Hz refresh rate listed as a clickable option under Refresh rate.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Bfc24]

I did indeed have a generic driver but even now after getting the correct driver I can still only select a maximum of 100hz on windows display settings 

[NonSequitur777]

@Bfc24,

All right, if you're unable to select the maximum refresh rate of 165 Hz for your monitor, here are some steps to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

1. Verify Cable and Port

• Ensure you're using a cable that supports the desired refresh rate. For 165 Hz, you'll typically need:
  • DisplayPort 1.2 or higher or
  • HDMI 2.0 or higher.
• Check that the monitor is connected to a port on your graphics card that supports high refresh rates. Some ports may have lower bandwidth limitations.

2. Update Graphics Drivers

• Download and install the latest drivers for your GPU (graphics card) from the manufacturer's website:
  • NVIDIA
  • AMD
  • Intel
• Restart your PC after updating.

3. Set Refresh Rate in Display Settings

• Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display Settings.
• Under Choose a refresh rate, verify if 165 Hz is available. And since you cannot:
  • Click Display adapter properties > Monitor tab, and see if you can select 165 Hz from there.

4. Check Monitor Settings

• Access your monitor's on-screen display (OSD) menu using the buttons on the monitor.
• Ensure the monitor is set to the correct mode that supports 165 Hz (e.g., "Gaming Mode").
• Some monitors have an "overclock" setting to enable higher refresh rates like 165 Hz.

5. Confirm Resolution and Refresh Rate Compatibility

• Ensure the resolution and refresh rate combination you’re trying to use is supported by your monitor.
• For example, some monitors might only support 165 Hz at lower resolutions.

6. Disable Third-Party Restrictions

• Check if third-party software (e.g., custom GPU utilities or overlay tools) is restricting refresh rates.
• Temporarily disable or uninstall such tools to see if the issue resolves.

7. Use Custom Resolutions

• If 165 Hz is still unavailable, you can create a custom resolution:
  • NVIDIA Control Panel: Display > Change Resolution > Customize.
  • AMD Software: Display > Create Custom Resolution.

8. Test on Another PC or Device

• Connect the monitor to another device capable of outputting 165 Hz to rule out monitor or cable issues.

9. Update Monitor Firmware

• Check the monitor manufacturer’s website for any firmware updates for your model.

10. Contact Manufacturer Support

• If all else fails, contact your monitor’s manufacturer to confirm if there are specific requirements or issues with 165 Hz operation.

Let me know how it goes or if you need further assistance!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Bfc24]

Thanks I will check these, is there a way to check on my system what the ports are capable of and also how to see what my device output is capable of?

[Bfc24]

Ok I tried the displayport cable that came with the monitor instead of the hdmi and it's offering the option of 165 so to me that would suggest either my hdmi cable isn't what it says it is or the port isn't capable but I'm not sure how I find out which is the issue?

[NonSequitur777]

@Bfc24,

Well, merely based on my own anecdotal experience, I'd lean towards your HDMI cable not being up to snuff.

But hey, you got 165 Hz refresh capability, don't overanalyze it!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Bfc24]

Thanks for your help

[NonSequitur777]

@Bfc24,

You are welcome!

If you don't mind, please indicate this discussion thread as an Accepted Solution in order for other Users to find the troubleshooting approaches I shared easier.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777